Recent reviews by Vertical Deer

Step 1: Place Portal on wall next to 6 orc-analogues, and the other next to you.
Step 2: Use Flame Wave on the portal.
Step 3: Watch enemies roll around in panic, grunting in agony.
Step 4: Collect loot.

Rinse, repeat.

That alone is worth the price of admission.

(Deep breath)

Do you know that feeling, when something gets under your skin so badly, that you can't help but want it more, and more? For me, EVE Online evokes that feeling, which either raises really weird questions about me, or points out the nature of this game.

The devs have done a wonderful job in smoothing out the early learning curve, which was a main frustration point for new players. Sure, it's still steep, but now if you can learn to read, the game actually teaches you the basics. Emphasis on "the basis". The game is still far, far away from holding your hand, which I do adore.

However, the game is still extremely harsh when it comes to penalties. Most of the major penalties can be avoided to some extent; insurance will pay for your ship if you're blown to smithereens (you still lose your junk on the ship, though), having an up-to-date clone will prevent skill loss (you still lose your implants). Death IS essentially just a slap on the wrist... If you make sure that your backup assets are sufficient, and active. Otherwise... Well, I hope you enjoy sitting in your rookie ship again.

The skill system is still as in-depth as it always was; the metagame is still as enticing as it always was. You are, as always, free to pursue whatever path you desire. There's no such thing as an unviable playstyle.

... Just remember that at the core, this game is still about people.

And people never change. They'll always be @ssholes.

Big fan of this title. If you're into the whole city building nonsense with pretty severe penalties on messing up, this is for you.

The learning curve is fairly balanced, however, it's made easy if you know how to read; the game has an extensive help menu system. An ingame wiki, even.

While there isn't much to the title, what is IN it, is polished, and works really well. I'm looking forward to the patches.